EAST LANSING -- Kodi Kieler and Jack Conklin both came to Michigan State in the class of 2012 as offensive linemen. Both redshirted their freshman years, and both saw the field for the first time last season.

But as Kieler played primarily a special teams role, he watched Conklin start 13 games on the offensive line and become a key contributor for the Spartans -- winning multiple freshman All-American awards and not giving up any sacks according to offensive line coach Mark Staten.

Now, after seeing someone that young play such an important role on the Michigan State offensive line, Kieler is ready to make the jump himself.

“It gives me something to work for,” Kieler said of watching Conklin. “I want to get like him, you know what I mean. I don’t want to be him, but I want to get to the level where he’s playing.”

If this spring has been any indication, Kieler has been getting closer to that level. He’s spent the offseason competing for the top spot at right guard with Connor Kruse and has consistently drawn praise from the Michigan State coaching staff.

“Kodi Kieler is doing a nice job, he’s going to be a very good player,” Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio said earlier this spring. “So it’s not that Connor’s not doing a great job, I think he is, it’s just Kieler’s providing some competition.”

Dantonio indicated earlier this week that the starting five at offensive line has become more solidified. But with the Spartans trying to replicate last year’s eight-player rotation at the position, Kieler still figures to see the field plenty whether it’s in a starting role or not.

Getting to that point has meant plenty of playbook studying and time in the film room for the 6-foot-5, 309-pound Kieler. Former Michigan State offensive lineman Blake Treadwell often joins him there to help him break that film down.

That work has helped him get a better sense for the position.

“I’m picking up blitzes better when the defense makes shifts and stuff,” Kieler said. “I just know where to go, I’m just getting better at what’s coming to me, what I have to get.”

Kieler played primarily on defense in high school and only saw time on the offensive line in his junior year. That meant a transition once he came to East Lansing.

But after two seasons of work, he’s feeling comfortable on the field with Michigan State’s first team.

“I don’t feel nervous at all when I go out there,” Kieler said. “I enjoy going against better competition. I like going against Shilique and Marcus Rush and stuff, because they’re the best of the best.

“I think I’ve proven myself that I can go out there any down against them.”